Jeanne Renee de Bombelles


Jeanne-Renée de Bombelles, Marquise de Travanet was a French composer and poet who is best remembered today for the French folk song Pauvre Jacques.

Early life

Travanet's parents were Henri Francois de Bombelles, the Comte de Bombelles, and Genevieve Charlotte de Badains. She had two half siblings from her father's earlier marriage, and three full siblings.

Biography

She was a lady-in-waiting to Louis XVI's sister Elizabeth before marrying the Marquis de Travanet in November 1779. They later divorced.
Travanet composed the music for Pauvre Jacques. Some sources indicate that she also wrote the words. Other sources attribute the words to a member of the royal family, possibly Marie Antoinette, or Louis XVI's sister Elizabeth.

''Pauvre Jacques'' lyrics

Travanet composed two volumes of Romances et Chansons, avec accompaniment de pianoforte ou le harpe. Individual songs by Travanet are included in many collections.